Elastic composite for a disposable absorbent garment, and a system and process for making the elastic composite and a garment having the elastic composite

ABSTRACT

A method is provided for making an elastic composite for incorporation into a disposable absorbent garment. An elastic element applicator is provided that is configured to move a section of a continuous strand of elastic element generally about a plane. A first web of material is conveyed in a first web moving direction such that the first web intersects the plane. Then, the applicator is operated to move the elastic element about the plane, thereby applying the section of elastic element onto the first web along a direction generally transverse to the web moving direction and such that the first web draws the continuous elastic strand from the elastic element applicator as the first web is conveyed away from the plane. The elastic element applicator may be in the form of a spin cylinder or bracket that is operated to spin the elastic element about the moving first web, thereby applying the elastic element on the first web.

The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/532,480 filed on Dec. 24, 2003 (nowabandoned) (which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposesand made a part of the present disclosure).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to disposable absorbent garmentsor articles such as baby diapers and training pants. More particularly,the present invention relates to an elastic component that can beemployed in one or more areas of the garment. The present invention alsorelates to a system and method of making the elastic component and agarment employing the elastic component.

Disposable absorbent garments contemplated by the invention includedisposable diapers, disposable pull-on garments, and the like. Thesegarments are worn about the lower torso or waist of the user so as toreceive and contain urine and other bodily wastes. The benefits providedby the use of a disposable diaper on an infant are well known and itsuse has become widespread in the past several decades. Disposablepull-on garments include training pants, pull-on diapers, disposableunderwear, and adult incontinence garments. It is generally expectedthat the user of any one of these garments will be able to put on andtake off the garment on his/her own. As for training pants, thesegarments are used by young children to facilitate the child's transitionfrom using diapers to wearing regular underpants (i.e., during toilettraining). Training pants (and other disposable pull-on pants) haveclosed sides such that the user or caregiver raises the garment aboutthe user's legs to put it on and slips the garment downward about theuser's legs to take it off.

The principal elements of a typical disposable absorbent garment includea liquid permeable inner layer (or topsheet), a liquid impermeable outerlayer (or backsheet), and an absorbent core sandwiched between the innerand outer layers. Elastic members may be incorporated into differentparts of the garment. For example, elastic members may be positionedlongitudinally along a diaper, generally outboard of the absorbent coreto effect a seal around the buttocks, legs, or both of the users. Inaddition, several elastic members (e.g., in the form of elongatedelastic threads or strands) may be positioned laterally throughout thewaist regions (including the side waist regions) of a disposableabsorbent garment. The resulting elastication allows the garment tostretch when it is put on and then during wear. In this way, the garmentcan stretch to accommodate variations in waist size and leg size of theuser, while fitting snugly about the waist and legs.

When elastic members are incorporated into a part or area of thegarment, that part or area typically becomes a distinct, functionalcomponent of the garment. These elastic components include the sidepanels or ear portions, the waistband, and fastening tabs. The elasticcomponents to which the present invention is directed is generallyelongated, and may be a distinct portion of a larger, unitary piece, ora separate, attachable component. Furthermore, the elastic componenttypically contains one or more sections or layers in addition to theelastic members. In this regard, such an elastic component may bereferred to as an elastic composite.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one object of the invention to provide an improveddisposable absorbent garment, such as a diaper or adult incontinencegarment, and further, such a garment incorporating an improved elasticcomposite as one or more of its components.

For purposes of the present description, the term “elastic band” or“elastic composite” refers to a multi-layer construction of thedisposable absorbent garment. In this construction, a plurality ofelastic members, such as threads or strands, are disposed adjacent oneor more layers, e.g., backsheet and topsheet. In this way, the elasticmembers imparts elasticity to the adjacent layers and thus, to that partof the disposable absorbent garment. Such an elastic structure may be adistinct attachable component of the garment or may be a distinctportion or section of the garment body or a larger, unitary component ofthe garment body.

In one aspect of the invention, an elastic composite is provided in adisposable absorbent garment such as a diaper or training pants. Theelastic composite has a base layer, a top layer, and an elasticconstruction disposed therebetween. The elastic construction includes aplurality of spaced apart (e.g. preferably generally equally spacedapart) elastic elements (e.g. strands or threads) that are aligned ingenerally parallel relation. Further, the top and base layers define afirst side edge, a second side edge, and a longitudinal centerlinetherebetween. The elastic construction is disposed between the twolayers and extends in a direction that is between the side edges and isgenerally parallel with or corresponds to (i.e., overlays) thelongitudinal centerline. Further, the elastic elements are orientedalong a lateral direction that intersects the side edges andlongitudinal centerline (e.g., such that each elastic element isoriented or aligned along a direction that is generally perpendicular tothe side edges).

Preferably, the elastic composite includes at least one elasticizedregion, wherein the elastic construction is disposed, that is spacedinwardly from the side edges and, in some embodiments, positionedgenerally centrally between the side edges. Such an elastic compositealso includes a first non-elasticized region disposed between the firstside edge and the elasticized region, and a second non-elasticizedregion disposed between the second side edge and the elasticized region.

In certain embodiments, the first and second non-elasticized regionsprovide fastening regions that are generally flat relative to theelastic regions, and may be equipped with a fastening element such asadhesives or a hook or loop element. More preferably, the elasticelements are attached to at least one of the top and base layers suchthat the elasticized region is shirred when the elastic composite isdisposed in a relaxed, un-stretched state. In further embodiments, asecond elasticized region is provided between the side edges and a thirdnon-elasticized region is provided between the first and secondelasticized regions.

In preferred embodiments, the elastic construction has a centerlineextending therethrough that is spaced generally equidistantly from eachside edge and the elastic strands are distributed along this centerlineand in generally perpendicular relation therewith. Preferably, thedirection of this centerline corresponds with a machine direction of theelastic composite band or more specifically, the web material from whichthe elastic composite band is cut.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a disposable absorbent garmentis provided with a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposedbetween the topsheet and the backsheet and such that a longitudinalcenterline of the garment extends through the topsheet, backsheet, andabsorbent core. Together, the topsheet, backsheet, and absorbent coreprovide a central body of the disposable absorbent garment. Theinventive garment further includes an elastic composite band that isattached to the central body. The elastic composite band has a firstside edge, a second side edge, and a composite centerline extending inbetween the side edges. The elastic composite band includes a baselayer, a top layer, and an elastic construction disposed between the topand base layers and spaced inwardly from each side edge. The elasticconstruction includes a plurality of spaced apart elastic elements thatare distributed in a direction extending between the side edges and eachaligned in generally perpendicular relation with the compositecenterline.

Preferably, the elastic composite band includes an elasticized regionthat is positioned generally centrally between the first and second sideedges, and wherein the elasticized region is disposed. The elasticcomposite also has a first non-elasticized region positioned between thefirst side edge and the elasticized region, and a second non-elasticizedregion positioned between the second side edge and the elasticizedregion. In some embodiments, the elastic composite band is attachedadjacent an end of the garment leg (e.g., along a waistline) andprovides therealong an elastic waistband on the garment. In furtherembodiments, the garment has two elastic composite bands each attachedalong a side margin of the garment. In these embodiments, the elasticcomposite band provides an elastic waist fastening portion of thediaper, such as an elastic side panel or ear portion of the garment orelastic fastening tab. In one particular embodiment, the elasticcomposite is provided as the central chassis or central body of thegarment.

The present invention also relates to a system and a method for makingthe elastic composite and/or the garment incorporating the elasticcomposite.

In one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for makingan elastic composite. The elastic composite is made for incorporationinto a disposable absorbent garment. The method includes the step ofproviding an elastic element applicator configured to move a section ofa continuous strand of elastic element generally about a plane. A firstweb of material (e.g., nonwoven material) is conveyed in a web movingdirection such that the first web intersects the plane. Then, theelastic element applicator is operated to move the elastic element aboutthe plane, thereby applying the section of elastic element onto thefirst web along a direction generally transverse to the web movingdirection. Preferably, the elastic element is applied such that thesection of elastic element is retained by the first web and the firstweb draws the continuous elastic strand from the elastic elementapplicator as the first web is conveyed away from the plane. Morepreferably, the elastic element applicator is a spin cylinder orbracket, that is operated to spin the elastic element about the movingfirst web, thereby applying the elastic element on the first web.

In another aspect of the present invention, another method is providedfor making an elastic composite for incorporation into a disposableabsorbent garment. The method includes the step of conveying a first webof material and folding each of the side edges of the first web along aside fold line and inwardly toward an inward surface of the first web.This creates a pair of folded flaps adjacent the inward surface and anexposed outward surface having a width defined between the fold lines(i.e., at the folded side edges). A plurality of spaced apart elasticstrands is subsequently applied across the width of the exposed outwardsurface. Then, the applied elastic strands are cut proximate each of thefold lines of the first web (i.e., along the folded side edges), suchthat the lengths of the elastic strands are generally equal to the widthof the outward surface. Thereafter, the folded flaps of the first webare unfolded such that the resulting first web has, applied thereon, aplurality of centrally located elastic strands and non-elasticized sideregions defined generally outward of the fold lines. Preferably, theelastic strands are applied in spaced apart, generally parallelrelation. Furthermore, the elastic strands are preferably applied byspinning a continuous elastic strand about the first web.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a disposable absorbent garment in the unfoldedconfiguration; according to the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a plan view of an elastic composite according to the presentinvention;

FIG. 2B is a plan view of the elastic composite of FIG. 2A shown in anextended, stretchable condition;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the elastic composite of FIG. 2A with acut-out detail to show an elastic construction;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of an alternative disposable absorbent garmentaccording to the invention;

FIG. 4A is a plan view of a convertible or converted disposableabsorbent garment according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of another alternative disposable absorbentgarment, according to the invention, incorporating an elastic compositeas a waistband;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of yet another alternative disposable absorbentgarment, according to the invention, further incorporating an elasticcomposite as a central body chassis;

FIG. 6A is a plan view of a convertible or converted disposableabsorbent garment according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an alternative elastic composite according tothe present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of yet another alternative elasticcomposite according to the invention;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of yet another alternative elasticcomposite according to the invention;

FIGS. 9A-9C are plan view of a further alternative disposable absorbentgarments, according to the invention;

FIG. 10 is a simplified schematic of a system for manufacturing theelastic composite according to the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a top view of an elastic element applicator assembly for usewith the system of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the assembly of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a simplified process illustration of making the elasticcomposite according to the invention;

FIG. 14 is a detail view of a conveyor assembly for the system of FIG. 1according to the invention;

FIG. 15 is a top view of an alternative elastic element applicatorassembly for use with the system of FIG. 10, according to the invention;and

FIG. 16 is a simplified illustration of a folding guide assembly for usewith the system and method according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Each of FIGS. 1 and 4-9 depict a disposable absorbent garment embodyingvarious aspects of the present invention. More particularly, each ofthese Figures depict such a garment that incorporates an elasticcomposite structure or elastic composite in accordance with the presentinvention. In FIG. 1, a disposable absorbent garment 110 is shown thatis suitable for the invention and in the form of a diaper having one ormore elastic composites incorporated therein. The elastic composite inFIGS. 1-8 have side and end edges and, thus, may be referred to hereinas elastic composite bands. FIGS. 9-16 illustrate a system and processof making the elastic composite (and a garment having the elasticcomposite) in accordance with the present invention.

The disposable absorbent garment 110 in FIG. 1 is of a type that can beplaced against or in proximity to the body of a wearer so as to absorband to contain various bodily exudates. It should be noted, however,that the present invention is applicable to a variety of disposableabsorbent articles and garments, including training pants and a varietyof adult incontinence products. As will be described below, theinventive elastic composite or elastic composite band may provide a sidepanel or ear portion, a waistband, a fastening tab or band, or otherdistinct elastic component of the garment or article. The inventiveelastic composite may also be incorporated into an ear portion toelasticate the ear portion or to supplement the ear portion with anelasticated fastening tab. Accordingly, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the structures and the processes specificallydescribed and illustrated herein. For purposes of description, however,the following discussion will be directed to an exemplary disposablediaper only. Moreover, the invention will be described in the context ofits various configurations and aspects. It should be appreciated thatalternative arrangements of the inventive disposable absorbent garmentand such an elastic composite band may comprise various combinations,which include one or more of the various configurations and aspects ofthe invention.

FIG. 1 is introduced to illustrate some basic features of a disposablediaper 110, most of which are also applicable to other disposableabsorbent garments contemplated by the invention. The diaper 110includes three main regions aligned along an imaginary longitudinal axisor plane AA. These regions include a first waist region 112 (typicallyat the front of the user when the garment 110 is worn), a back waistregion 114, and a crotch region 116. The diaper 110 is alsocharacterized by a front edge 140, a back longitudinal edge 142, a firstlateral or side edge or side margin 144, and a second lateral or sideedge or side margin 146.

Along a lateral direction, the diaper 110 includes ear regions or earportions 118 extending laterally from the waist regions 112, 114.Together, the waist regions 112, 114 and crotch region 116 may bereferred to as forming a central body portion 120 of the garment 110that is positioned within side edges 144, 146. The body portion 120 mayalso be referred to as being formed by a liquid permeable inner layer ortopsheet 152, a liquid impermeable outer layer or backsheet (not shown),and an absorbent core 154 sandwiched between the two layers. The earportions 118 further include fastening tabs 124 for attaching the waistregions 112, 114 together. The diaper 110 also has an elastic waistband130 positioned generally along the back edge 142 to facilitate fasteningand to enhance the fit and seal of the diaper 110. When the hourglassshaped diaper 110 is worn, the crotch region 116 fits about the crotchof the wearer, and the front and back waist regions, 112 and 114, fitabout the corresponding waist areas. The ear portions 118, on the otherhand, wrap about the wearer and the fastening tabs 124 engage to form acomplete, all-around waistline of the diaper 110.

FIG. 2A depicts a typical elastic composite band 210 according to theinvention. More particularly, the elastic composite band 210 is oneparticularly suited for use as a side panel or fastening tab of adisposable absorbent garment (see, e.g., FIG. 1). FIG. 3 provides aperspective view and partial cut-out of the elastic composite band 210.The elastic composite band 210 may be characterized by an imaginarycenterline LL. In one aspect of the invention, the centerline LLpreferably corresponds with the machine direction of the elasticcomposite band 210 during manufacture. The elastic band 210 also hasside or longitudinally extending side edges 210 a and 210 b andlaterally extending end edges 210 c and 210 d. In FIG. 1, the elasticcomposite band 210 is shown in the stretched state as, for example, whena garment incorporating the elastic composite band 210 is worn. In thisstate, the elastic composite band 210 stretches, in the lateral orcross-machine direction (denoted by arrows XX).

As used herein, the term “machine” direction refers to the direction atwhich the component, or more particularly, the material web from whichthe elastic composite is derived (e.g., cut from) is driven in anassembly line during manufacturing. The term “cross-directional machinedirection” or “cross-directional,” on the other hand, refers to thedirection that is perpendicular to the machine direction. With referenceto the elastic composite 20 of FIG. 2, the cross machine direction isthe direction XX extending laterally or perpendicularly relative to thelongitudinal line LL.

The elastic composite band 210, according to the invention, has acentral region 214 in which an elastic construction is situated.Extending laterally from this central elastic or elasticized region 214are regions 216 and 218, which are substantially non-elasticized. Asshown in FIG. 2A, the regions 216, 218 occupy the expanse between thecentral elastic region 214 and the side edges 210 a, 210 b. Now withreference to FIG. 3, the elastic composite band 210 has a top layer 318and a bottom or base layer 320. The two layers 318, 320 preferablyextend the total width and length of the elastic composite band 210,thereby providing the side edges 210 a, 210 b, and the end edges 210 c,210 d. Both the base layer 320 and the top layer 318 are preferably anon-woven, breathable, disposable material such as propylene, non-wovenfabric, breathable polyethylene/polypropylene films, or non-porous films(or combinations of these materials). The base layer 320 and top layer318 adhere to one another, thereby sandwiching and securing a pluralityof elastic strands 322 therebetween.

The elastic strands 322 may be substituted, in alternative embodiments,by suitable elastic elements such as elastic strands, threads, ribbons,and elastic glue beads. In one aspect of the invention, the elasticelements or strands 322 are distributed along a direction that extendbetween the side edges 210 a, 210 b and parallel with (or correspondingto) center line LL. Further, each elastic element 322 is generallyaligned or oriented in a direction corresponding with the lateral orcross-machine direction, i.e., in a direction generally perpendicular tothe longitudinal center line LL and intersecting the side edges 210 a,210 b. Preferably, the strands 322 are disposed in generally parallelrelation and spaced apart generally equally along the longitudinaldirection. More preferably, the elastic strands 322 are of generallyequal length. Accordingly, when the elastic composite band 210 is worn,the strands 322 impart elasticity into the structure which allows theband 210 to stretch in the lateral or cross-machine direction XX.

The elastic strands 322 are preferably tensioned during securementbetween the top and base layers 318, 320. FIG. 2B illustrates theelastic composite band 210 in a laterally stretched condition. In thiscondition, the central elastic region 214 has a width that is almostequal to the non-elasticized zones 216 and 218. When returned to thenon-laterally stretched or relaxed condition, as shown in FIG. 2A, thecentral elastic region 214 contracts and crimps to a substantiallyreduced width. In this condition or state, the contracted elasticstrands 322 shirrs the elastic composite 210 and provide pleats 234 inthe contracted elastic region 214.

The elastic composite band 210 may originate from a web of material thatis wound onto spools or festooned. Typically, the user of such materialwill cut the material to a length required of a particular application.In some applications, one such web of material may provide the source ofmultiple components of the inventive disposable absorbent garment.

Returning to FIG. 1, the inventive disposable absorbent garment 110employs one or more elastic composite bands according to the invention,as described above. The disposable absorbent garment 110 employs in eachof the ear portions 118, a fastening tab 124 having the inventiveelastic composite construction. As the fastening tab 124, the elasticcomposite band is configured such that one non-elasticized region 124 ais attached to and overlaps the central body 120 of the garment 110while a second non-elasticized region 124 b is situated outboard of theside margins 144, 146. An elasticized region 124 c, as shown in FIG. 1,provides elasticity, and thus, stretch in the lateral or cross-machinedirection (of the elastic composite). In respect to the rest of thegarment 110, the elasticity or stretch provided by the central elasticregion 124 c directed along a direction that is generally perpendicularto the longitudinal center line AA of the garment 110, and correspondswith a direction that wraps about the waistline of the user.

The disposable absorbent garment 110 in FIG. 1 also provides an elasticcomposite, according to the invention, as the waistband 130. Thewaistband 130 is situated centrally in the waist region 114. Further,the elastic composite waistband 130 is disposed such thatnon-elasticized regions 130 a, 130 b are positioned outwardly of thelongitudinal line AA of the garment 110, while an elasticized region 130c is positioned centrally across the longitudinal center line AA.Moreover, the elasticized region 130 c is configured such that theelastic strands are aligned or oriented in a direction that is generallyperpendicular to the longitudinal center line AA. In this way, theelastic composite waistband 130 imparts elasticity about the waistregion 114 of the garment 110, and in a direction corresponding with thedirection of waistline about the user.

FIG. 4 depicts an alternative disposable absorbent garment 410 accordingto the invention. Specifically, FIG. 4 depicts a disposable absorbentgarment 410 employing elastic composites according to the invention asattachable ear portions or side panels 414. The elastic composite sidepanels 414 are separate components that are attached to a central body420 of the garment 410. The elastic composite side panels (or earportions) 414 are attached near one waist edge 442 of the garment 410and such that the centerline AA of the side panel 414 is generallyparallel with the longitudinal centerline AA of the garment 410.Moreover, each of the elastic composite side panels 414 has anon-elasticized region 414 a that is positioned outboard of the sidemargins 446 of the garment 410 and a second non-elasticized region 414 bthat is attached inboard of the side margin 446 (or side margin 444).Thus, a central elastic region 414 c is situated outboard of the sidemargin 446 and not directly attached thereto. When the garment 410 is inuse, the central elasticized region 414 a allows the side panel tostretch in a lateral or cross-machine direction that corresponds withthe lateral direction relative to the longitudinal centerline AA of thegarment 410. Accordingly, when the garment 410 is worn, the elastic sidepanel 414 allows for stretching about the waistline of the user.

FIG. 5 depicts yet another alternative embodiment of a disposableabsorbent garment 510 according to the invention. The disposableabsorbent garment 510 is a diaper partially defined by end or waistedges 540, 542 (not shown) and side margins 544, 546. Further, theinventive disposable garment 510 has a central body 520 and a separate,attachable elastic waistband 530. Similar to the garments 110, 410 inFIGS. 1 and 4, respectively, the garment 510 employs an elasticcomposite, as the elastic waistband 530. The inventive elastic waistband530 is attached adjacent a waist edge 542 of the garment 510 and ispositioned centrally about the longitudinal centerline AA. The elasticcomposite waistband 530 is situated such that non-elasticized regions530 a, 530 c extend laterally past the side margins 544, 546,respectively. The central elasticized region 530 c is positionedcentrally within the central body 520 and side margins 544, 546. Theelastic strands of the central elastic region 530 c is further situatedsuch that the elastic region 530 c provides elasticity or stretch in alateral direction relative to longitudinal centerline AA. Again, in thisway, the elastic composite waistband 530 according to the inventionallows for the garment to fit snugly and effectively about the waistlineof the user.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative disposable absorbent garment 610,according to the invention (wherein like reference numerals are used toindicated like elements), in which the inventive elastic composite bandis incorporated into various areas or as various garment components. Thegarment 610 has a front waist region 112, a back waist region 114, and acrotch region 116 positioned therebetween. As with the garment 410 ofFIG. 4, an elasticized composite band 614 is attached to each sidemargin 144, 146, near end edge 140, as an elasticized side panel 614. Asecond pair of elastic composite bands is attached as an elasticizedside panel 660 along the opposite end edge 42 of the garment 610.

FIG. 6 also illustrates the use of the inventive elastic composite bandto provide an elasticized central body or chassis 680 at or beneath thecrotch region 116 of the garment 610 and in support of an absorbent core(not shown so as to clearly display the chassis 680). The absorbent coreis preferably adhered to and movable with the elasticized chassis 680.Thus, the core is preferably a conformable (changes shape in accordancewith an outside force), elastic, or extensible (e.g., pulled andpermanently stretched) body, as is generally known in the art. In thisway, the main or central body of the garment 610 is elasticized in alateral direction XX that is generally perpendicular to a longitudinalcenterline AA of the garment 610. In the garment 610 of FIG. 6, theinventive composite band provides the entire length of the central bodyor chassis 680. The elastic composite chassis 680 has an elasticizedregion 680 c situated between two non-elasticized regions 680 a, 680 b.Preferably, the elasticized region 680 c provides an elasticconstruction of a plurality of elastic strands as disclosed previouslyin respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-5. In the illustratedembodiment, the elasticized region 680 c extends between end edges 140,142, thereby imparting lateral elasticity (stretchability) across theentire garment length.

Now turning to FIG. 4A, the disposable absorbent garment 410′ isprovided with fastening means 460 along the margins 444, 446, and nearone end opposite of the elastic composite side panels 414. Provision ofthe fastening means 460 allows for fastening of the ends of the garment.Accordingly, this particular garment 410 is referred to as a convertibleor converted garment, in that it allows the garment to be used as adiaper and alternatively, as a training pants type garment.

The fastening means 460 may be provided with fastening elements such ashooks or loops which can correspondingly adhere or attach to thenon-elasticized zones 414 a, 414 b of the side panels 414. The garment410′ may come with the fastening means 460 attached with the side panels414, in the way of a training pant. Furthermore, the fasteners 460 maybe detached from the side panel 414, in the way of a diaper.

Now turning to FIG. 6A, the disposable absorbent garment 610′ is alsoprovided with fastening means 660 on the elastic composite side panel614. The fastening means 660 may include fastening elements such ashooks or loops, which can adhere and attach to the non-elasticized zone614 a, 614 b of corresponding side panel 614.

FIG. 7 depicts an alternative embodiment of an elastic composite bandaccording to the present invention. The elastic composite band 710illustrated therein differs from the previously described elasticcomposite band (see e.g. FIGS. 2 and 2 a) in that the elastic compositeband 710 includes two elasticized regions 714 a and 714 b. Theelasticized region 714 a, 714 b are preferably equidistantly spacedapart on either side of the longitudinal centerline AA. The spacing ofthe elasticized regions 714 a, 714 b creates right and leftnon-elasticized or dead regions 716, 718, as well as centralnon-elasticized region 750. The elasticized regions 714 a, 714 b impartselasticity to elastic composite band 710 a in the lateral directions XX,and in the central non-elasticized region 750, also in the oppositelateral direction VV.

FIG. 8 depicts yet another embodiment of an elastic composite band 810according to the invention. The inventive elastic composite band 810has, as in previously described embodiments, a central elastic orelasticized region 814 and regions 816 and 818 that are substantiallynonelasticized and extend laterally from the central elasticized region814. The elasticized region 814 is again comprised of a plurality ofelastic strands 322 that are disposed in generally parallel relation,and generally perpendicular with a longitudinal centerline LL of theelastic composite band 810 (and the elasticized region 814). The elasticcomposite band 810 also has end side edges 810 a, 810 b, and end edges810 c, 810 d.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the elastic composite band 810is further comprised of base layer 820 and top layer 824. As shown inFIG. 8, base and top layers 820, 824 sandwich the elastic strands 822therebetween. In contrast to previously described embodiments, layers820 and 824 are offset in respect to one another. Specifically, the twolayers 820, 824 are not positioned squarely or evenly one atop another,but overlap. In this way, the elastic composite band 810 is made wider.In particular, by offsetting the two layers 820, 824, the nonelasticizedregions 816, 818 are extended and may be referred to as having anoutside section (e.g., 818 a) formed by one of the layers 820, 824 andan inside section (e.g., 818 b) having both a top and a bottom layer820, 824. Preferably, the two layers 820, 824 are two plies of nonwovenmaterial. The wider nonelasticized, nonwoven regions 816, 818 provide aworking area on which fastening materials and other accessories orstructural attributes of the disposable absorbent garment may besituated. In various embodiments, the offset or overlap of the twolayers 820, 824 may be varied so as to create nonelasticized regions816, 818 of various widths. Moreover, a wider elastic composite band(and specifically, nonelasticized regions of the elastic composite band)is attained, without increasing the size of the nonwoven layers.

FIG. 8A illustrates a further variation of the elastic composite band810 in FIG. 8, in accordance with the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 8 depicts an inventive elastic composite band 810′ having a centralelastic or elasticized region 814′ and regions 816′ and 818′ that aresubstantially nonelasticized (“dead zones”) and extend laterally fromthe central elasticized region 814′. The elasticized region 814′ isagain comprises of a plurality of elastic strands 822′ that are disposedin generally parallel relation and generally perpendicular with alongitudinal centerline LL of the elastic composite band 810′ (and theelasticized region 814′).

In this particular embodiment of the invention, the elastic compositeband 810′ includes a base layer 820′ and a top layer 824′ that issignificantly narrower than the base layer 820′. The base and top layers820′ and 824′ sandwich the elastic strands 822′ therebetween.Preferably, the width of the top layer 824′ is no less than 5 mm widerthan the width of the central elasticized region 814′. This designfurther illustrates yet another aspect of the invention, and amanufacturing process, which results in a reduction of the raw materialcosts of the disposable absorbent garment, and more specifically, theelastic composite band 810′.

FIGS. 9A-9C are provided to illustrate further embodiments of thepresent invention. More specifically, FIGS. 9A-9C provide alternatedesigns, specifically alternate shapes, of the inventive elasticcomposite band. In these figures, like elements are referenced usinglike numerals.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, a disposable absorbent garment 910 isshown having a central body 920 and elastic composite bands in the formof ears or side panels 924. The ears 924 have inner and outernonelasticized regions 924 a, 924 b, and a central elasticized region924 c situated therebetween. These two figures illustrate an elasticcomposite band according to the invention having nonelasticized regions924 a and 924 b that are different from one another and do not provideside edges of the elastic composite band 924 which are in generallyparallel relation. In both designs, the side edge of the outernonelasticized regions 924 b are rounded or curved. The shape of theelastic composite bands 924 in these two figures provide, among otheradvantages, a more attractive product as perceived by the consumer.

Now turning to FIG. 9 c, yet another variation of the elastic compositeband 924 is shown applied to a training pants 910. Specifically, theinventive elastic composite band 924 has nonelasticized regions 924 aand 924 b of different geometries. This design of the elastic compositebands 924 provide an aesthetic as well as a functional advantage. Thefunctional advantage comes in the form of an improved fit around thewearer's leg, particularly due to the shape of the elastic compositeband 924.

FIGS. 10-16 depict a system and system components, and illustrate amethod or process of making or manufacturing the elastic compositeaccording to one embodiment of the invention. In one aspect of theinventive process, two elastic composite web outputs 1031 are producedfrom four separate non-woven web inputs 1003 a, 1003 b, 1003 c, and 1003d. To facilitate the description of the present invention, reference maybe made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,627,621 and 2,902,395, each of whichdiscloses certain features of the prior art system and process formanufacturing a lamination and/or composite having non-woven materials.Each of these patents is hereby incorporated by reference and made apart of the present disclosure. In particular, reference may be made tocertain basic components of a system or apparatus for manipulatingnon-woven materials and fibers.

Referring first to FIG. 10, a system 1001, according to the invention,includes four separate non-woven web inputs 1003 a-1003 d, which providea web or roll of non-woven material for the elastic composite. Thesystem further includes an output assembly or reel 1005 that receivestwo elastic composite webs 1031 from the rest of the process. These twoseparate elastic webs may be fixed together to produce the kind ofcomposite described in respect to FIG. 7 (or maintained separately).

Central to the inventive system 1001 are a conveyor assembly 1009 forreceiving, manipulating, and conveying each of the nonwoven web inputs.The conveyor assembly 1009 is positioned and operatively associated withan elastic element applicator such as a spinning head assembly 1007,that applies elastic fibers or strands upon, onto, and or integrallywith the non-woven web inputs. The spinning head assembly 1007 furtherincludes a spin head 1017, preferably in the form of a spinning bracket,or cylinder 1017 and the like. The spin cylinder 1017 is configured tohold an “end section” of the continuous strand WW of elastic and move itabout a generally vertical plane XX in a reciprocal or repetitivepattern (relative to the conveyor assembly 1009). This plane XX isdefined by the area within the spinning perimeter of the cylinder 1017and which is traced by the outer most bracket or eye 1017 b securing thestrand of elastic WW to the spin cylinder 1017. The paths of thespinning head 1017 and the section of elastic strand retained therebyare provided on the plane XX.

As shown in the schematic of FIG. 10, nonwoven inputs 1003 a and 1003 bare fed, utilizing a series of rollers, into the conveyor assembly 1009.Before the two nonwoven webs are fed into the conveyor assembly 1009,the webs are directed though the folding guides or plates 1039. Thefolding guides 1039 serve to effectively reduce the overall width of thenonwoven web by folding the lateral or side edges along apre-determined, longitudinally-extending side fold line YY. The firstfolding guide 1039 a initiates the first 90° turn while the secondfolding guide 1039 b initiates a second 90° turn. A roller 1069 disposedin between the guide 1039 a, 1039 b facilitates the folding process. Thetwo folding guides 1039 and roller 1069 may be referred together as afolding guide assembly.

FIG. 16 illustrates yet another typical folding guide assembly. Thefolding assembly 1639 includes folding plates 1639 and a roller 1669upstream of the folding plates 1639. A web 1603 is passed around thenarrow roller 1669, whereby the width of roller 1669 helps determine thewidth of the web 1603 between the folded flaps VV (i.e., the width ofexposed outward surface 1689 defined between the fold lines YY). Thewidth of the roller 1669 is substantially less than the width of thenonwoven web 1603. As a result, the edges of the nonwoven web 1603 listand curl up around the sides of the roller 1669, thereby initiating thefolding process. The flat plates 1639 then helps to complete the foldand hold the folded sides down. Another folding guide (not shown) may beprovided in a position upstream of the folding roller 1669 to help guideor initiate the folding process.

For purposed of the present Description, the inward surface 1679 is thesurface or side of the web 1603 toward which the folded flaps VV areturned. The exposed outward surface 1689 is the surface opposite of theinward surface 1679.

The conveyor assembly 1009 is set up so as to guide these two nonwovenwebs 1003 a and 1003 b through the center of the assembly 1009 towardsand eventually inside the elastic spin cylinder 1007 (into the spinningpath). Once inside the spin cylinder 1017 the conveyor assembly 1009delivers the nonwoven webs to each outside, upper and lower faces(outward faces) of the conveyor assembly 1009. At this point thedirection of travel of the nonwoven webs are reversed and the webs aredirected out of the spin cylinder 1007. As the nonwoven webs exit thespin cylinder 1017, an elastic strand WW is wrapped around the entireconveyor assembly 1009, and as it contacts the upper and lower face ofthe web platforms it comes into contact with the nonwoven web. As shownin several of the Figures, the elastic strand WW is applied crosswise orlaterally on the web, and transverse to the direction of the moving web.The friction between the tensioned elastic strand and the nonwoven webson the upper and lower faces of the conveyor assembly draws the“wrapped” elastic strand out of the spin cylinder 1017 and towardscontact with two further nonwoven webs 1003 c and 1003 d.

The nonwoven webs 1003 c and 1003 d are operatively positioned upstreamof an adhesive applicator 1013. Utilizing a system of rollers inconjunction therewith, the nonwoven inputs 1003 c, 1003 d and adhesiveapplicators 1013 apply a web of pre-glued nonwoven material onto theconveyor assembly 1009 and onto the elastic strand “wrapped” around thenonwoven webs 1003 a and 1003 b.

Furthermore, the system 1001 employs a standard elastic input source,e.g., a bobbin of elastic yarn, that feeds elastic strands or fibers WWonto a tensioning/speed controlling unit 1037 and then to the spincylinder or the spinning head 1017, so as to apply the strands WW ontothe conveyor assembly 1009 and the non-woven material webs conveyedtherethrough. Elastic is taken off the bobbin, box or positive drivesystem and fed through a tension and speed controlling motor towards thespin cylinder 1017. The elastic WW is delivered through a hollow shaftin the motor controlling the spin cylinder 1017. The elastic WW thenpasses into the spin cylinder 1017 and is guided by rollers, eyes or anyother suitable mechanism around the inside face of the spin cylinder1017.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the above components may bepositioned differently in respect to one another, and may employ otherstandard components not discussed herein. Moreover, the system andprocess illustrated may be readily integrated into or with one ofseveral known systems and processes for manufacturing disposableabsorbent articles and garments. Such integration will be apparent toone skilled in the relevant consumer product or other relevant art, uponreading and viewing the present disclosure.

FIGS. 11 and 12 provide alternate views of the spinning head assembly1007 and conveyor assembly 1009. As discussed above, the conveyorassembly 1009 receives four separate webs of non-woven materials andoutputs two webs 1031 of elastic composite. FIGS. 13 and 14 are providedto further illustrate the process of making the elastic compositeaccording to the invention. These figures, more particularly FIG. 13,illustrates the paths taken by the non-woven web materials to and fromthe conveyor assembly 1009.

Referring to FIG. 13, reference letters A-G are used to refer to stagesin the process and in conjunction with the description of the process.As discussed above, non-woven raw material webs are fed into the processat stage A. These webs provide four separate non-woven web inputs intothe process. Non-woven webs 1 and 3 are combined to make an elasticcomposite output 1 (i.e., referred to in the Figures as the WRAPoutput). Non-wovens 2 and 4, which are both on the downside of thespinning head assembly 1007 and conveyor assembly 1009, combine to makea second elastic composite output 2 (i.e., WRAP 2).

At stage B, non-woven webs 1 and 2 are folded prior to being directed tothe conveyor assembly 1009. A predetermined width of nonwoven is foldedover each side of the web to make two folded flaps VV. The width of theflap VV determines the width of the dead zone or non-elasticized regiondescribed previously, while the width of the non-woven, after folding,determines the width of the elasticized region. At stage C, thenon-woven webs 1 and 2 are fed into the conveyor assembly 1009, inparticular into the middle or inside of the conveyor assembly 1009 withthe folded side of each web facing the outside of or away from theconveyor assembly 1009. It should be noted that at this stage C,non-woven webs 1 and 2 are not bonded together. The conveyor 1009 thenfeeds the non-woven webs 1 and 2 towards the spinning head assembly1007. At stage D, the non-woven webs 1 and 2 have traveled almost thelength of the conveyor assembly 1009 and progresses into the spinningpath of spinning head assembly 1007 and intersecting the “spinning”vertical plane XX of the elastic strand WW. Further, at the end of theconveyor assembly 1009, the webs 1 and 2 are directed away from eachother and onto the outside of the conveyor 1009 and away from thespinning head 1007. Non-woven web 1 turns up on the upper side of theconveyor assembly 1009, while non-woven web 2 travels along the lowerside of the conveyor assembly 1009. At stage E, an elastic strand WW iswound around the folded non-woven webs 1 and 2, as these webs passthrough the spinning head and the vertical plane XX. The elastic strandWW is applied to the moving webs 1 and 2 cross-directionally to thedirection of the moving web. The movements of the webs 1 and 2 away fromwithin the spin cylinder 1017 draws the “wrapped” elastic strand out ofthe spin cylinder 1017.

Now turning to non-woven webs 3 and 4, these webs are provided to theconveyor assembly 1009 with adhesive applied on one side (i.e., appliedby the adhesive applicator 1013). At stage F, the non-woven webs 3 and 4are brought into contact with webs 1 and 2, respectively, and theelastic strands WW. As a result, the webs 1 and 3 sandwich elasticstrands WW on the upper side of the conveyor assembly 1009, andnon-woven webs 2 and 4 sandwich elastic strands WW on the under side ofthe conveyor assembly 1009. The elastic strands WW run between the twonon-woven elastic non-woven composite (cross-direction), but is then cutby a knife (see knife 1410 in FIG. 14, as described below), therebyseparating the two wrapped composites. At stage G, the composites 1 and2 are fed away from the conveyor assembly 1009 and the folded flaps onwebs 1 and 2 become unfolded, with guiding, to form a flat non-wovencomposite. Subsequently, the composites are guided from the spinninghead assembly 1007 and conveyor assembly 1009 and into furtherprocesses. As shown in FIG. 10, the elastic output webs arrives via asystem of rollers onto an elastic composite output reel 1005.

FIG. 14 provides an alternate view of the conveyor assembly 1009. ThisFigure further illustrates the movement of non-woven webs 1-4, and theapplication of elastic strands in a generally mutually parallel patternand generally spaced apart from one another. After cutting of theelastic with the knife 1410, two elastic composites are directed awayfrom the conveyor assembly 1009. It should also be noted that theinventive system advantageously allows for improved control of thestretch of the elastic strands.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, the conveyor assembly 1009 preferablyincludes two web moving platforms 1412 which are juxtapositioned so asto provide an interface therebetween. Each web moving platform 1412includes a continuous belt 1414 supported about a plurality of rollers1416 so as to be capable of reciprocal motion. The two web movingplatforms 1412 are generally the same length and juxtapositioned so asto accommodate the non-woven webs 1 and 2 therealong from one end to theother end. Preferably, a roller 1416 is situated about midway betweenthe ends of the web moving platform so as to deliver the non-woven webs3 and 4 respectively to the web moving platform.

As shown in FIG. 10 and also FIG. 14, the spinning head assembly 1007 ispositioned about and in the vicinity of one end of the conveyor assembly1009. In operation, the spinning head 1017 spins about the verticalplane XX which intersects the ends of the web moving platforms 1412 soas to deliver the elastic strands WW around and about both web movingplatforms 1412. In operation, the first and second non-woven move alongthe outside or exposed surfaces or sides of the web moving platforms1412 and receives the elastic strands WW delivered by the spinning head1017. By way of its movement away from the spinning head 1017, themoving web draws the continuous elastic strand WW from the spinning head1017.

By pre-folding the two non-woven webs that are fed to the inside of theconveyor assembly 1009, it is possible to create an elastic compositewith cross directional stretch having non-elasticized regions (“deadzones”) along each edge. The width of the central elasticized region isfixed to the width of the conveyor platform 1412. The width of thenon-elasticized regions or dead zones is determined by the width of thefold VV. The fold VV in the non-woven is preserved by the conveyorassembly 1009 during application of the elastic element and is appliedin such a way that the folded edge of the non-woven is not in contactwith the elastic element WW. The fold VV is then allowed to open afterthe composite exits the conveyor assembly 1009 to provide a flat elasticcomposite with non-elasticized regions. By altering the alignment of thematerials as it enters the conveyor assembly 1009 or by changing thewidths of the materials used it is possible to create various compositedesigns.

The above-described process provides an elastic composite with crossdirectional stretch properties. The process also providesnon-elasticized regions on either latitudinal side of the centralelasticized zone of the composite. For the purposes of the descriptionthe term “non-woven” is used to describe the principal material used inthe construction of the elastic composite. However, it should be notedthat this invention is not limited to non-woven materials but may beapplied to any material that is available in the form of a continuoussheet. Other materials suitable for this application include PE film, PEfilm/non-woven laminates and tissue.

FIG. 15 illustrates a conveyor assembly 1509 and an elastic elementapplicator in the form of a spinning head assembly 1507, in accordancewith an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As will beunderstood by one skilled in the art, the spinning head assembly 1507 isoperated to convey or transmit elastic strands onto a web movingplatform 1512 of the conveyor assembly 1509. As before, the conveyorassembly 1509 preferably employs two web moving platforms 1512, whichare juxtapositioned so as to provide an interface therebetween. Theconveyor assembly 1509 is similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 10 and11.

On the other hand, the conveyor assembly 1509 is operated differently inthat more than one elastic strand WW is applied onto and about the webmoving platforms 1512 at one time. The spinning head assembly 1507includes a spinning head in the form of a spin bracket 1517 having aplurality of arms 1517 a. The spin bracket 1517 receives elastic strands1553 from a shaft 1551 a of a motor 1551. The motor 1551 feeds the twolines of elastic strands 1553 to the spin bracket 1517, and the twofeeds of elastic strands 1553 are guided together through the spinninghead assembly 1517 (where the two lines twist together). As shown inFIG. 15, the two strands 1533 are moved about a v vertical plane thendelivered, together, onto a nonwoven web 1544 moving horizontally on theweb moving platform 1512. Preferably, both lines of elastic strand 1553are fed onto the same arm 1517 a of the spinning bracket assembly 1517(rather than on opposite sides). In this way, the separate feeds orlines of elastic strands 1553 are prevented from twisting together andpossibly breaking.

By applying two lines (or more) of elastic strands onto the movingnonwoven web, the speed of the manufacturing process is increased.Specifically, the speed at which the composite is manufactured may beincreased by up to 100%, without increasing the speed at which thespinning head assembly is spinning and without changing the overallnumber of elastic strands in the final composite. Table 1 below providestwo examples of the result of a process of applying the elastic strandsWW onto a nonwoven web, according to the present invention. The spinninghead assembly 1517 operates at the same rotational speed in bothprocesses. However, the pitch (i.e., the separation between elasticstrands WW) is doubled for the alternative process (wherein a pair ofelastic strands are applied to the nonwoven web). By employing thealternative process, the total machine output is also doubled (i.e.,from 40 m/min of composite to 80 m/min). In both examples, the overallamount or lengthof elastic strands WW utilized or applied to thecomposite is generally the same. Consequently, the final compositeproduced by both subprocesses have the same, or at least, similartensile characteristics.

TABLE 1 Spin head Pitch (elastic No of elastic strands Total machineoutput speed separation) fed into spin head (two webs of composite)8,000 rpm 2.5 mm 1 40 m/min 8,000 rpm   5 mm 2 80 m/min

It will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art, upon reading thepresent description and/or reviewing the accompanying drawings, that thealternative subprocess described above may be modified to feed or applya different number of elastic strands onto the nonwoven web. That is,three or more elastic strands may be fed through the spinning headassembly and applied to the nonwoven web.

Moreover, it is contemplated that the elastic strands may be separatedinside the spin head and directed independently to opposite sides of thenonwoven web. In such a case, it is preferred that the assembly 1507that includes the elastic bobbins/reel and tensioners and guides theelastic strands into the motor 1551 (or more appropriately, the motorshaft 1551 a), is rotated at the same speed and in the same direction asthe spin head 1517. In this way, the risk of twisting of the strandstogether inside the spin head 1517 is minimized.

The foregoing description of the present invention has been presentedfor purposes of illustration and description. It is to be noted that thedescription is not intended to limit the invention to the variousapparatus and processes disclosed herein. Various aspects of theinvention as described above, may be applicable to other types ofdisposable absorbent articles and garments, and processes for making thesame. For example, the elastic composite described above, may beincorporated in other disposable absorbent garments such as trainingpants, etc. or in other areas or as other components of the garment.Moreover, the various aspects of process described in respect to FIGS.10-16 may be utilized to produce compositions, garments and articlesother than those described herein. Such variations of the invention willbecome apparent to one skilled in the relevant consumer products artprovided with the present disclosure. Consequently, variations andmodifications commensurate with the above teachings, and the skill andknowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the presentinvention. The embodiments described and illustrated herein are furtherintended to explain the best modes for practicing the invention, and toenable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and otherembodiments and with various modifications required by the particularapplications or uses of the present invention.

1. A method of making an elastic composite for incorporation into adisposable absorbent garment, said method comprising the steps of:moving a section of a continuous strand of elastic element generallyabout a plane; conveying a first web of material in a web movingdirection such that the first web intersects the plane; moving theelastic element about said plane, thereby applying the section ofelastic element onto the first web along a direction generallytransverse to said web moving direction; wherein said conveying stepincludes folding the first web along two fold lines and inwardly towardan inward surface of the first web to leave a partial section of thefirst web providing an exposed outward surface, such that the applyingstep applies the elastic element across the exposed outward surface ofthe first web; and cutting the applied elastic strands proximate eachfold line; and unfolding the first web such that a resulting unfoldedfirst web has applied thereon, a centrally located arrangement of aplurality of spaced-apart elastic strands on the partial section and anon-elasticized side region on each side of the arrangement of aplurality of spaced-apart elastic strands.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the section of elastic element is applied onto the first websuch that the section of elastic element is retained thereby and thefirst web draws the continuous strand of elastic element from the planeas the first web is conveyed away from said plane.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the elastic element is spun about the first web duringthe step of moving the section of strand.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the elastic element is moved about the plane in a reciprocalpattern to periodically apply the elastic onto the first web, therebyapplying a plurality of elastic strands onto the first web.
 5. Themethod of claim 4, wherein the elastic strands are applied in generallyparallel relation on the first web.
 6. The method of claim 4, whereinthe folding step provides a generally planar, exposed outward surfacehaving lateral side edges defined by the fold lines, and wherein thecutting step includes cutting each applied section of elastic element atopposing ends proximate the lateral side edges of the first web, therebyseparating each section from the continuous strand and creating aplurality of separate elastic elements on the first web.
 7. The methodof claim 4, further comprising the step of applying a second web ofmaterial onto the first web having a plurality of elastic elementsapplied thereon, thereby providing a web of elastic composite comprisingof at least two layers of material and a plurality of elastic strandssandwiched therebetween.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprisingthe step of applying adhesive to second web prior to said step ofapplying the second web onto the first web, such that the second web andthe first web subsequently adhere together.
 9. The method of claim 1,further comprising the step of conveying a second web of material spacedapart from the first web and along a direction parallel with the webmoving direction, whereby the step of moving the section of continuousstrand applies elastic element on outward faces of the first and secondwebs of material.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein each of the firstand second webs are moved by a pair of juxtaposed conveying platformsthat intersect the plane of the moving elastic element.
 11. The methodof claim 10, further comprising the steps of first conveying the firstand second webs on inward faces of the platforms in an initial webmoving direction opposite of the first web moving direction, whereby thefirst and second webs are redirected to the outward faces and in thefirst web moving direction upon reaching one end of the platforms. 12.The method of claim 1, wherein the folding step further includes thesteps of folding the first web along the two side fold lines to create apair of folded flaps such that, in said step of applying the elasticelement, the elastic element is applied across an exposed outwardsurface having a width defined between the fold lines.
 13. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the cutting step includes cutting each section ofelastic element proximate each of the fold lines of the first web,thereby separating each section from the continuous strand and creatinga plurality of separate elastic elements on the outward surface of thefirst web, whereby the lengths of the elastic elements are generallyequal to the width of the outward surface; and wherein the unfoldingstep includes unfolding the folded flaps of the first web such that theresulting first web has applied thereon a plurality of centrally locatedelastic strands and non-elasticized side regions defined generallyoutward of the fold lines.
 14. The method of claim 13, furthercomprising the step of applying a second web of material onto the firstweb having a plurality of elastic elements applied thereon, therebyproviding a web of elastic composite comprising of at least two layersof material and a plurality of elastic strands sandwiched therebetween.15. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of moving a section of acontinuous strand includes spinning, a pair of spaced apart sections ofelastic element is applied onto the first web generally simultaneously,and wherein said step of moving the elastic element is repeated to applya plurality of pairs of elastic elements on the first web in spacedapart, generally parallel relation.
 16. A method of making an elasticcomposite for incorporation into a disposable absorbent garment, saidmethod comprising the steps of: conveying a first web of material;folding each of the side edges of the first web along a side fold lineand inwardly toward an inward surface of the first web to create a pairof folded flaps adjacent the inward surface and an exposed outwardsurface having a width defined between the fold lines; applying aplurality of spaced apart elastic strands across the width of theexposed outward surface; cutting the applied elastic strands proximateeach of the fold lines of the first web, such that the lengths of theelastic strands are generally equal to the width of the outward surface;and unfolding the folded flaps of the first web such that the resultingfirst web has applied thereon, a plurality of centrally located elasticstrands and non-elasticized side regions defined generally outward ofthe fold lines.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the stepof applying a second web of material onto the first web having aplurality of elastic strands applied thereon, thereby providing a web ofelastic composite including at least two layers of web material and aplurality of elastic strands sandwiched therebetween.
 18. The method ofclaim 16, wherein said step of applying the elastic strands includesapplying the strands onto the outward surface in spaced apart generallyparallel relation.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein said step ofapplying the elastic strands includes repeatedly spinning a continuouselastic strand about the first web, and wherein said cutting stepincludes cutting the elastic strands to separate the elastic strandsapplied on the outward surface from the continuous strand and fromadjacent applied elastic strands on the first web.
 20. The method ofclaim 19, wherein said conveying step includes conveying the first webinto the path of the spinning continuous strand, thereby causing theelastic strand to be applied onto the first web.
 21. The method of claim19, wherein said step of applying the elastic strands includes applyingthe elastic strand so as to be retained by the first web and such thatthe first web draws the elastic strand as the first web is conveyed awaya source of the continuous strand.
 22. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising the steps of: providing a conveyor assembly for conveying thefirst web material, the conveyor assembly having two web movingplatforms, each having a first platform side and a second platform sidedisposed opposite of the first platform side and capable of reciprocalmotion, the platform being juxtapositioned such that a platform side ofeach web platform face one another and provide an interfacetherebetween; feeding the first web and a second web of the web materialinto the conveyor assembly so as to be directed in a first web movingdirection between and along said interface from one end of the conveyorassembly to an opposite end; feeding a third web of the web material anda fourth web of the web material onto the conveyor assembly on anexposed side of a web moving platform, such that each of the third webmaterial and fourth web material are directed along the exposed platformside in a direction opposite of the direction of travel of the first andsecond web material through the interface; directing each of the firstand second web material onto the exposed side of a web moving platformsuch that the first or second web material is moved in a seconddirection opposite the first direction, whereby the step of applying aplurality of elastic strands applies elastic strands onto both the firstand second web materials, as the first and second web material is movedalong the second direction by the web moving platforms; and applying thethird and fourth web material onto the first and second material,respectively, after the continuous elastic strands are applied thereto.23. The method of claim 16, wherein said step of applying the elasticstrands includes spinning a continuous strand about the first web.
 24. Amethod of making an elastic composite for incorporation into adisposable absorbent garment, said method comprising the steps of:conveying a first sheet of material, including folding the first sheetinwardly along each of two side fold lines to create a pair of foldedflaps and an exposed outward surface having a width defined between thefold lines; spinning a section of a continuous strand of elastic elementabout the first sheet, thereby applying the section of elastic elementonto the exposed outward surface along a direction generally transverseto a web moving direction of the first sheet; cutting the appliedelastic strands proximate each of the fold lines of the first sheet; andunfolding the folded flaps of the first sheet such that the resultingfirst sheet has applied thereon, a plurality of centrally locatedelastic strands and non-elasticized side regions defined generallyoutward of the elastic strands.
 25. The method of claim 24, furthercomprising the step of applying a second sheet of material onto thefirst sheet having a plurality of elastic strands applied thereon,thereby providing a web of elastic composite including at least twolayers of sheet material and a plurality of elastic strands sandwichedtherebetween.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein said step of applyingthe elastic strands includes applying the strands onto the outwardsurface in spaced apart generally parallel relation, and wherein saidspinning step includes repeatedly spinning a continuous elastic strandabout the first sheet, and wherein said cutting step includes cuttingthe elastic strands to separate the elastic strands applied on theoutward surface from the continuous strand and from adjacent appliedelastic strands on the first sheet.
 27. A system for making an elasticcomposite for incorporation into a disposable absorbent garment, saidsystem comprising: a source of a first web of material; a web conveyorassembly including a first web moving platform for moving said first webthereon, said platform being adapted for reciprocal motion such that thefirst web is initially moved in a first direction then moved in a seconddirection opposite of the first direction motion; a folding assemblyoperatively positioned between said source of said first web and saidweb conveyor assembly, said folding assembly being adapted to foldingside edges of said first web to create folded flaps prior to the firstweb being directed to the conveyor assembly; and a spinning headassembly for applying a continuous elastic strand about said webconveyor assembly and a first web being moved thereon, said spinninghead assembly being positioned such a first web being conveyed on saidplatform is moved into the path of elastic strand being spun by thespinning head assembly.
 28. The system of claim 27, wherein said webmoving platform includes a continuous movable belt.
 29. The system ofclaim 27, further comprising: an input source of a second web ofmaterial; and a conveying assembly for conveying the second web towardthe web conveyor assembly and interfaced therewith such that the secondweb is applied onto the first web after elastic strands are appliedthereon.
 30. The system of claim 29, further comprising an adhesiveapplicator positioned between said input source of the second web andthe web conveyor assembly, said adhesive applicator being operativelyassociated with said conveying assembly to apply adhesive to a surfaceof the second web prior to application of said surface to the first web.31. The system of claim 27, further comprising a source of a second webof material; wherein the web conveyor assembly includes a first webmoving platform and a second web moving platform, said platforms beingjuxtapositioned so as to provide an interface therebetween for movingsaid first and second web materials therealong, said first and secondweb moving platforms being adapted for reciprocal motion; and whereinsaid web moving platforms are positioned relative to the spinning headassembly such that spinning head assembly is adapted to applying acontinuous elastic strand about said first and second web movingplatforms.